[Aiwendil]

Very interesting topic, Macalaure. In a way, Feanor's sons can each be seen as representing one aspect of their father. Feanor's character seems to me to be more complex than that of any of his sons, as if he were the summation of all their personalities.

I do disagree on a few points regarding the interpretation of these characters' personalities.

The misdeeds of him and his brother lie heavily on him (interestingly not Alqualonde). He wishes he could fulfill the oath without it, but can’t. Still he disapproves unnecessary violence. This sort of self-reflection cannot be found in Fëanor at all, so it is one of Nerdanel’s gifts.

I'm not so sure. I think Feanor would disapprove of unnecessary violence. In his mind, the attack on Alqualonde was necessary - and note that he did attempt a non-violent solution first (arguing that the Teleri join him). Moreover, he does seem to show remorse on one occasion: his accidental slaying of Amrod at Losgar (see HoMe XII).

There’s only one short occasion where Maglor is in charge of his brothers – when Maedhros is hanging out at Thangorodrim. It’s interesting to see what happens when Fingolfin arrives: Maglor changes the sides – of the lake. Without Maedhros Fëanor’s Sons seem pretty help- and clueless.

I see Maglor's move here as a wise one. It seems to me that, relations not being particularly good between the host of Fingolfin and the host of Feanor at that time, there was a danger of violence if the two hosts were to meet (particularly with people like Caranthir present). By moving to the other side of the lake, Maglor may not have provided a long-term solution, but at least in the short run he avoided an unpleasant confrontation.

So, what doesn’t he have?
Ambition. Curufin seems to ever stand behind Celegorm. I always get the feeling that he is the “evil brain” within this duo.

I agree that he seems to stand behind Celegorm, but I don't think this reflects a lack of ambition. I think that if Curufin had had his way, Celegorm would have become King of Nargothrond, but Curufin would have been the true power behind the throne.

Inspiration. I think this is the main difference. Despite all his abilities we don’t get to know anything that he has actually made. Even Angrist was made by the dwarves. Curufin is not the artist his father was.

This is an interesting point. I wonder whether, perhaps, Curufin did produce works of art and craft that are not mentioned. In any case, it is surely significant that it was Curufin's son, Celebrimbor, who made the Elvish Rings of Power.